7/31/2012

American man attempts to smuggle meth disguised as Snickers candy bars to Japan

LOS ANGELES — A California man faces federal drug charges for allegedly trying to smuggle more than 4 pounds (1.8 kilograms) of methamphetamine to Japan in what looked like dozens of Snickers candy bars.

U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement officials said Monday that 34-year-old Rogelio Mauricio Harris of Long Beach was arrested last week at Los Angeles International Airport as he prepared to board a flight to Japan.

Harris was charged in Los Angeles with drug possession and faces at least 10 years in prison if convicted.

Federal agents conducting routine baggage inspections found 45 full-sized Snickers bars inside Harris’ luggage. Each bar was coated in a chocolate-like substance to make it look like a candy bar, but tests revealed the so-called candy contained methamphetamine.